Etymology: Cornus: Latin cornu for "horn," probably referring to the hardness of the wood
Plants: perennial, to 30' tall tree; stems smooth, greenish bark
Leaves: alternate, stalked, clusters at ends of the branches, oval-ovate, rounded base, 2"-4" long
Flowers: white, 4-parted; inflorescence a branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-June
Fruits: blue berry
Habitat: woods, woods edges
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Trees: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest; UW-Extension: Interactive guide providing information on cultivation including: soil, zone, growth rate, landscape uses, pruning, light requirements; with photos and Latin name pronounciation